The number of adult children caring for their elderly parents is growing at a very fast pace. If you are a baby boomer and not already caring for an elderly parent, chances are high that you might be facing this situation soon. It isn’t always easy to know when, or how, to step in to… Read More
Learn Why the New Federal Estate Tax Exemption Doesn’t Give You an Estate Planning “Pass”
Most likely you recall the tax reform bill that was passed by Congress and signed by the President late 2018. One big change that happened doubled the federal estate tax exemption amount for federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. Beginning in 2018, the exemption for federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes increased from a… Read More
Call Your Mother…and Doing What’s Important
Guilford County Women’s Journal: Call Your Mother by Dennis Toman, JD, CELA As an Elder Law attorney, I’ve learned that there are only a few certainties in life. One is that no one makes it out of this world alive; everyone’s life on Earth ends. And another certainty is that everyone has or had a… Read More
Talk With Your Parents About Long-Term Care and Their Future
Odds are, your parents will need long-term care someday. Have you had a conversation with them about that yet? Don’t say it won’t happen to your parents. At least 70% of people over age 65 will require some form of long-term care services and support during their lives. (From 2015 Medicare & You, National Medicare… Read More
What is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), and Why Does it Matter
When you’re looking for an elder law attorney, you will see very few that have achieved the status of certified elder law attorney (CELA). But what does that certification mean? What does it say about the person who is a CELA, and why does it matter? When you see the CELA designation, you can rest… Read More
Why Would You Use a Power of Attorney Form from the Internet or Off-the-Shelf?
A durable power attorney (sometimes called a financial power of attorney) is one of the most important estate planning documents. But not all powers of attorney are alike. Using a form power of attorney that you purchase online or at an office supply store could be a very costly mistake. While a power of attorney form… Read More
Does Your Estate Plan Include Your Pets?
What happens to your pets when something happens to you? Many people never think about this, as they presume they will outlive their dog or cat. But what if you’re the one who becomes unable to care for your pet, because of illness or Alzheimer’s or an accident. Or what would happen if you die… Read More
North Carolina Elder Law Estate Planning – Start Here
You’ve worked hard all your life for what you have. As a boomer or senior in North Carolina living your second have of life, thoughts about what would happen if you need long-term care are bothering you more. You don’t want to have to leave home if you or your spouse need care. You worry about… Read More
Basics of VA Aid and Attendance to Help Pay for Costs of Long-Term Care
If you served during active duty during a wartime period (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War or Persian Gulf War) or if you are the widow of a wartime veteran, you may be eligible for a monthly check from the VA. This program is known as “VA Aid and Attendance.” In many cases you could receive $1000… Read More
Planning for a Child or Grandchild with Special Needs
If you’re the parent or grandparent of a child with special needs, the planning you do could make a tremendous difference to help your child or grandchild. You’ll also be helping your other children with having resources and tools to best help their sibling. Generally a special needs trust will be used to provide this… Read More
